Cole Palmer has admitted he was left bemused by ex-England boss Gareth Southgate's decision to overlook him at Euro 2024 despite his fine form.
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Palmer was a benchwarmer in England's first two matchesDenied start by Southgate despite sensational club campaignForward shone in semi-final and final cameosFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite his prolific debut season for Chelsea, where he netted 25 goals across all competitions following his transfer from Manchester City, Palmer found himself warming the bench during England's first two matches at the European Championship. Although he was later introduced from the bench as the tournament wore on, the 21-year-old remained out of the starting line-up for the duration.
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Nonetheless, Palmer made most of the limited opportunities as he assisted Ollie Watkins in scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final against the Netherlands. He also left his mark by netting in the final against Spain, although England ultimately fell short in their pursuit of silverware.
WHAT PALMER SAID
Palmer's recent interview with highlighted his frustration and hinted at a desire for more consideration from former England manager Southgate.
"It was frustrating at England, to be fair," he said. "Not to say that the players aren't good. But just coming off the back of the season I had, the form I was in, everything I was doing was coming off…So I'm not playing in the first two games even when the team was struggling, it was a bit like 'Why?' Do you know what I mean?
"If you bring me on [in] the third game and I don't do anything, then I can't really say anything. I just had to try and force my way in. I remember Watkins coming on [in the final], and I was thinking 'Why not me?'"
AFPWHAT NEXT?
Palmer is among the eight players who have withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. He was already carrying a knock into the London derby against Arsenal last weekend and was caught on camera limping away after the match at Stamford Bridge that ended in a 1-1 draw. It remains to be seen if he can achieve match fitness when the Blues face Leicester City after the international break on November 23.
